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When to plant Chinese Cabbage in Chippewa County, MN

In Zone 4b (Chippewa County), direct-sow Chinese Cabbage between April 25 and May 16 for spring, after the May 2 last-frost mark. A second sowing from July 12 to July 26 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Chinese Cabbage in Chippewa County, MN

Chinese cabbage (Napa cabbage) forms elongated, barrel-shaped heads with tender, mild-flavored leaves. It is a staple in Asian cooking, particularly for kimchi.

Chippewa County, Minnesota is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 2 and the first fall frost is October 4, giving you a growing season of approximately 155 days.

At an elevation of 626 feet, Chippewa County receives approximately 34.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 81°F, so choose short-season varieties of Chinese Cabbage to ensure they mature before fall.

Chippewa County, MN (Zone 4b) Moderate season
155 days
Last Spring Frost May 2
155 growing days
First Fall Frost October 4

Chippewa County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.3-7

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Chinese Cabbage

Chinese Cabbage needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Chinese Cabbage Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 1.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 2.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
May 4.3" 3.6" 0.7" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 4.1" 0.2" 💧 Light watering
Jul 4.3" 4.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 3.8" 0.5" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 3.4" 0.9" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 3" 1.3" 💧 Light watering
Nov 2.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 1.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Chippewa County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Chinese Cabbage Planting Timeline — Chippewa County, MN

Chinese Cabbage Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 21 Mar 21 – Apr 4
Transplant Outdoors May 2 May 2 – May 16
Direct Sow April 25 Apr 25 – May 16
Harvest June 27 Jun 27 – Jul 25
Fall Sowing July 12 Jul 12 – Jul 26

Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March Start Indoors
April Start Indoors Direct Sow
May Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
June Harvest
July Fall Sowing Harvest
August
September
October
November
December

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Partial Shade (3-6 hours)

💧 Water

High — keep soil consistently moist

📅 Days to Maturity

50–70 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 4b

📆 Growing Season

155 days in Chippewa County

Growing Tips for Chippewa County

Best grown as a fall crop to avoid bolting. Start seeds indoors or direct sow in late summer. Keep soil consistently moist and provide shade in warm weather.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Avoid Planting Near

  • Strawberries
  • Tomatoes

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Chinese Cabbage in Chippewa County, MN?

Chippewa County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of May 2. Plan your Chinese Cabbage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Chippewa County, MN?

Chippewa County, Minnesota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 2 and first fall frost is October 4.

When should I plant Chinese Cabbage in Chippewa County, MN?

In Chippewa County, MN, plant Chinese Cabbage after the last frost (around May 2) and before the first frost (around October 4). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Chippewa County, MN for Chinese Cabbage?

Chippewa County sits in USDA Zone 4b. Chinese Cabbage grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Chinese Cabbage grow in Chippewa County's climate?

Yes — Chinese Cabbage grows well in Chippewa County's temperate climate. Chippewa County averages a 155-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 2 and first frost around October 4.

🌱

Your Chippewa County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Chippewa County (Zone 4b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Chippewa County, MN. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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